FIBER-GREAT STUFF!

I want to tell you a little about fiber and how it can help your cholesterol regularity. Overall energy level is also effected. About a month ago I started taking Metamucil daily and let me tell ya I have noticed a big difference in how i feel with my regularity, bloating, and energy. Think about it; lets say you go two or three days without using the bathroom, that waste is still in your body. Lets face it people, how many of us have a fiber healthy diet? Believe me, I know how crazy our lives can be day to day. So if your not getting your daily fiber I would recommend Metamucil once a day. If your not in to that, here is a list of some really high fiber foods.

1. AVOCADO. One whole, medium avocado contains 17 grams of carbohydrate and a truly impressive 11 grams of fiber. That's almost half of the daily recommended minimum intake of fiber!

The avocado is a real diabetes superfood, providing an excellent dose of those good-for-you, unsaturated fatty acids. And avocados deliver almost 20 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients -- the special plant chemicals that convey myriad health benefits. Plus, what is more fun than growing an avocado plant from the pit?

2. ARTICHOKE. A medium artichoke contains about 14 grams of carbs and 10 grams of fiber. Like avocados, artichokes are bursting with nutrients, including an impressive amount of antioxidants, an excellent dose of vitamin C, as well as folate, potassium and magnesium. And did you know? A medium artichoke also delivers 4 grams of protein.

3. RASPBERRIES. A cup of these delicate, vibrant berries contains 15 grams of carbs and 8 grams of fiber. High in vitamin C and several other nutrients, they are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammotry properties as well. The phytochemicals that make plant foods red, orange, or blue are potent disease fighters.

4. BLACKBERRIES. Like raspberries, blackberries are rich in those health-giving pigments that give them their beautiful, deep blue-black coloring. They deliver the same amount of carbohydrate and fiber as raspberries, too. A cup contains 15 grams of carbs and 8 grams of fiber.

Raspberries and blackberries are both known as "bramble" fruit, and an increasing number of studies are showing that these and other intensely colored fruits and veggies improve health and fight disease.

5. LENTILS. One half-cup of lentils contains about 10 grams of carbs and 8 grams of fiber. Lentils fall into that fancy-sounding food category known as legumes, which are veggies that grow in pods.

Legumes are great sources of protien and fiber, but also contain lots of health-giving compounds. One type is called saponins, which may help lower colesterol and blood glucose levels and reduce disease risks.

6. BLACK BEANS. Black beans are a type of legume, too, and contain all the same great health benefits as lentils. A bit higher in carbs at 22 grams, a half-cup of black beans delivers a hearty 7 grams of fiber. And if you subtract the fiber from the carbs, you end up with a manageable 15 grams of carbs in a serving.

7. BROCCOLI. Well, you knew you'd find this vegetable on the list, didn't you? One cup of broccoli contains just 9 grams of carbs and a nice 6 grams of fiber. Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, and these superfoods are known to have anti-cancer properties, among a host of other body benefits.

8. VEGETABLE SOUP. Go figure. A serving of Progresso's new High Fiber Hearty Vegetable and Noodles soup contains 18 grams of carbs and 7 grams of fiber. If your blood pressure is high, you may want to steer clear--the soup also comes with 690 mg of sodium per serving.

9. PEAR. A medium pear contains 20 grams of carbs and 4.5 grams of fiber. Be sure to wash them well and eat the skin. Fiber and other nutrients live in that thin outer layer of the fruit.

10. APPLE. An apple a day provides great phytonutrients (phyto=plant) and a good dose of fiber. One medium apple contains about 23 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fiber. Again, wash well and eat the skin. You should know by now that the deep red color is an indicator of nature's potent disease-fighting chemicals.

11. OATMEAL. A cup of cooked oatmeal contains 27 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fiber. Use old-fashioned rolled oat or steel-cut oats for the best health bang for your buck. These are the least processed varieties and retain the most nutrients and fiber.

12. BARLEY. Barley holds the honor of being the lowest-glycemic grain (of the grains officially tested so far). This means it is the grain least likely to spike your blood sugar. A half-cup of cooked pearl barley contains 22 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber. If you can find the less processed, "hull-less" barley, you'll get even more fiber and more blood sugar protection.